Seahawk nation reacts to C.B. McGrath firing

In the wake of UNCW firing men’s basketball coach C.B. McGrath on Monday evening, Seahawk fans and players took to social media about the university’s decision. UNCW (5-14, 0-6) is riding an 11-game losing streak, the second longest in program history, heading into Thursday night’s contest against Hofstra at Trask Coliseum. Assistant coach Rob Burke has been named interim head coach.

UNCW players responded to the news by defending McGrath and giving thanks for all he did for them. McGrath joined UNCW in April 2017 and guided the Seahawks for more than two seasons. He wraps up his tenure with a 26-58 overall record.

I just wanna say thank you to this man. I don’t wanna hear any slander of his name. Y’all don’t know the half of what it takes to coach. It’s easy for people to judge from the outside. He cares for his players more than any of you could understand. Always love @cbmcgrath24 pic.twitter.com/rf5MN6n5Cj

— Brian Tolefree (@_BTolefree_) January 13, 2020

Hurts to see you go Coach. Always will love you! @cbmcgrath24 pic.twitter.com/ebyJfsgkBr

— J Sims⛹🏽 (@jaylen_sims) January 14, 2020

Thank you coach for bringing me in and allowing me to continue my dreams of playing college basketball. You were nothing but amazing to us as a coach and a man. You cared for us off the court just as much as on the court and I wish you nothing but the best! @cbmcgrath24 pic.twitter.com/TNI5XfQYq4

— John Bowen🏀 (@johnbowen32) January 14, 2020

UNCW also announced a national search for McGrath's replacement will begin immediately. Some have already begun talks on who UNCW should hire as McGrath’s replacement. On the StarNews Dub Hub Facebook page, UNCW alum Mark Byington, the head coach at Georgia Southern, is among the names being discussed

It was time, however still can't believe it. Hope they go to someone that knows the blueprint to rebuilding UNCW basketball... Takayo Siddle

— Bill Jones (@RaginTaurus) January 14, 2020

How long til we get Coach Brett Blizzard?!

— jtub (@jtub910) January 13, 2020

McGrath’s firing received attention from throughout the CAA and beyond, with some questioning if midseason was the appropriate time for UNCW to take action. Others weren’t surprised at all.

UNCW fires C.B. McGrath midseason. Seemed inevitable, but surprised they pulled the trigger right now. #CAAHoops. https://t.co/ofscDCqhPw

— Shane Mettlen (@Shane_DNRSports) January 13, 2020

C.B. McGrath fired midseason. Getting blown out at Elon will do that. Still a bit of a raw deal. Only 2.5 years to build a program. https://t.co/NxBg8AtszZ

— Julian Council (@JulianCouncil) January 13, 2020

I understand UNCW was 5-14 & winless in league play, but for AD Jimmy Bass to fire C.B. McGrath in middle of the season during Year 3 just doesn’t sit well with me. I’ve been told nothing egregious occurred w/McGrath, let him at least finish Year 3. IMO, guys should get 4+ years.

— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) January 14, 2020

CB McGrath gets 2.5 years before being fired by UNCW.

It’s a reasonable firing. Team won 21 games combined in two years despite having Devontae Cacok. And now, out to a disaster 5-14 that includes three non-D1 wins and 0-6 in the CAA. https://t.co/O5qEv7DwNP

— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) January 13, 2020

Not a surprise. This game and job is about winning and UNCW has been one of the worst programs in America under McGrath https://t.co/xYNqihKtLM

— bryan mauro (@threecolorbeard) January 13, 2020